Simpson has the most experience of any quarterback in Alabama's room, albeit 188 snaps across three seasons, per Pro Football Focus. He has 381 passing yards, 130 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns for the Crimson Tide.

Alabama football is taking the extra step to build depth at an integral piece of its offense. On July 22, with Hawaii four-star quarterback Tayden Kaawa announcing his commitment to the Crimson Tide over BYU and Boise State,

Grubb has not been shy about who he feels is the leader in the race. After A-Day, the Alabama offensive coordinator said if the Crimson Tide were to play a game that next day, Simpson would be the starter. That same refrain has been repeated multiple times by DeBoer throughout the offseason heading into fall.